Not all days are the same and if you’ve ever had a bad day at work, you’ll know exactly what we are talking about.
Just like our bodies, our minds need their fair share of rest and so, it’s not uncommon for people to feel low during a certain workday.
If you’re figuring out how to prioritise your mental health when having such a day at work, here are some tips that might help.
1. Take a mental health day off
Most people (and workplaces) exhibit hesitation when it comes to taking a day off for mental well-being. But what you need to remember is that you are your first priority and just like any other ailment, feeling uneasy or having a bad mental health day requires you to rest and recuperate. And yes, that includes a situation where you might be working from home.
2. Take out a few moments for yourself
If you’d rather stay at work, make sure that you are still prioritising yourself. Whether it is going out for a walk, listening to music or simply relaxing, take breaks to give yourself some breathing space.
3. Focus on doing what you can
If you’re already having a bad day, no good can come out of you overcompensating for it by taking up more work. Instead, use your time to do the things that really need your attention, rather than overwhelming yourself with things that do not require your immediate attention. Above all, it’s important that you set realistic targets for the day.
4. Say ‘no’
It might sound like a task but on days when you already have a lot on your plate, just say so.
5. Connect with a co-worker or friend
At work, some of us tend to seek companionship and sometimes, having a conversation about something other than work helps. Speak with a colleague you share an equation with or reach out to a friend outside of work in case you feel like talking to someone.
6. Seek professional help
It goes without saying that conversations with people you like cannot replace the professional help a therapist will be able to provide. Try consulting a therapist if such instances become recurring events.
